The JDA Dijon basketball team secured an 81-91 victory against Saint-Quentin at the Palais des Sports Pierre-Ratte during the fifth round of the Betclic Élite season, continuing an undefeated start to their campaign. Playing away from home in a high-intensity environment, the visiting side established an early advantage and fended off a late-game surge from the newly promoted hosts, as reported by Le Bien Public.
Early Control Established in the First Half
Entering the match with momentum, Dijon capitalized on early offensive sequences to set the tone. Shevon Thompson imposed his presence inside the paint while Kregor Hermet provided perimeter shooting behind the three-point line. Silas Melson added several key plays, helping the visitors build an initial lead of up to 13 points. Although Saint-Quentin responded toward the end of the opening period, the Burgundian side maintained a 21-25 advantage after ten minutes. Entering the second quarter with increased defensive pressure, Dijon extended their margin before halftime. Kevion Taylor contributed on both ends of the floor, and Quentin Losser secured crucial rebounds. Facilitated by David Holston and Justin Bibbins, Melson continued to convert from long range, sending the visitors into the locker room ahead at 36-49.
Saint-Quentin Responds After the Break
The hosts altered the momentum in the third quarter by elevating their defensive intensity. Former NBA champion Axel Toupane sparked the Saint-Quentin resurgence, forcing Dijon into difficult shot selections. Despite the shifting pressure, Hermet maintained his accuracy from beyond the arc, and Thompson anchored the defense and rebounding. The visitors preserved an 11-point cushion at 60-71 heading into the final stanza. As the crowd at Pierre-Ratte rallied behind their team, Saint-Quentin narrowed the deficit to five points at 73-78 during an intense fourth quarter. Taylor and Thompson responded with critical baskets to stabilize the visitors, before Melson sealed the outcome with consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes to extinguish any hopes of a comeback.
Silas Melson Leads Dijon to Remain League Co-Leaders
Silas Melson led all Dijon scorers with 22 points, followed by Kregor Hermet with 19, according to the box score reported by Le Bien Public. Additional offensive contributions came from Shevon Thompson with 12 points, Justin Bibbins and Narace with 10 points each, Kevion Taylor with 11, Quentin Losser with 4, and Ndjock with 3. With this fifth victory in as many matches, head coach Vincent Dumestre’s squad assured themselves of remaining co-leaders of the Betclic Élite championship regardless of other results across the league.
Upcoming Fixture Against SLUC Nancy
The JDA Dijon squad returns to action on Friday, October 30, hosting the SLUC Nancy at home to continue their campaign in the domestic competition.
